Publisher of Baltimore Jewish Times in 'critical' need of cash

The publisher of the Baltimore Jewish Times was expected to file a request Monday for an emergency cash infusion to continue to pay operating expenses, the latest step in the company's extended bankruptcy proceedings.

Alter, which has about 40 employees, has been in Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection since April 2010 and has fought with its top creditor, H.G. Roebuck & Son Inc., for control of the company.

In January, Alter posted a profit of $17,667 on revenue of $454,779, according to court documents. But it has racked up around $500,000 in expenses while under bankruptcy protection, court documents show. How Alter would raise the additional funds was unclear.

Andrew Buerger, CEO and publisher of Alter, said Monday he did not have a dollar figure for the amount of short-term working capital needed.

The creditors and the publisher of the Baltimore Jewish Times met behind closed doors Friday with a bankruptcy judge in an attempt to iron out a new ownership plan, and emerged after more than three hours with a commitment to return Monday for more negotiations.

The Maryland Democratic Party is expected to turn to a moderate former delegate from Western Maryland as its next chairman as it seeks to rebuild after a devastating loss in last year's gubernatorial race.